Xebians Unveiled; Neelima

"From Tragedy to Triumph" - Discover Neelima’s Inspiring Path to Becoming a Scrum Master

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From Tragedy to Triumph

The Story of Neelima
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In 1993, the town of Latur, Maharashtra, experienced one of India’s most devastating earthquakes, leaving destruction in its wake. For young Neelima Limje, this tragedy marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey. Despite losing her home, her dreams remained unshaken. Inspired by her uncle, an electronics and telecommunications engineer, she pursued a degree in the same field, driven by a passion for technology and a determination to rebuild her future.

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A Dream Takes Root

Neelima’s foray into technology was anything but conventional. Armed with an engineering degree, she started her career in surprising ways—as a typist in a law firm and later as a math tutor. In 2004, she moved to Pune and secured a job as a hardware tester with a manufacturing company, facing significant gender biases along the way.

“I wasn’t even allowed to touch computers at first.”

Challenging the Status Quo

Determined to expand her skill set, Neelima enrolled in software testing training, where her aptitude and dedication quickly stood out. Her first industry job presented a steep learning curve, but she embraced it wholeheartedly.

“When I started, I knew I had to work twice as hard to prove myself.”

Her relentless pursuit of excellence not only earned her the respect of colleagues but also instilled in her a lifelong commitment to continuous learning—a value she continues to champion.

 

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Living Her Dream at Xebia

Neelima’s journey was defined by challenges that tested her determination and resilience. “I felt significant pressure to conform to traditional gender roles,” she shares. But instead of succumbing to societal expectations, she chose to redefine them. “I believe in skill over gender,” she asserts—a mindset that has driven her to break barriers and excel in a male-dominated industry.

Neelima’s career reached new heights when she joined Xebia in 2022. “Xebia’s culture of inclusivity and respect has been instrumental in my growth,” she says. Unlike workplaces where gender biases were pervasive, Xebia valued her expertise and provided her with opportunities to lead projects and mentor others. “Being trusted to lead and guide my peers has been both fulfilling and empowering,” she shares.

Helping Others Spread Their Wings

Mentorship has been a cornerstone of Neelima’s career, and she is passionate about paying it forward. “I firmly believe in guiding and supporting others, especially women in tech,” she emphasizes. At Xebia, she has embraced leadership roles that allow her to mentor colleagues and help them navigate the complexities of the tech industry, ensuring they feel empowered to achieve their goals.

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Striking the Perfect Balance

 Neelima’s story exemplifies what can be accomplished when one dares to dream big and strives hard to turn those dreams into reality. She has defied societal norms and excelled in a male-dominated industry, consistently breaking barriers and challenging the status quo. Her story is a testament to the power of determination, support, and continuous growth.

“It’s not where you begin; it’s how you navigate the path and seize the opportunities presented to you. We have a lot of respect for women in the company, and we are focused on supporting and empowering the female workforce.”

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